Cable protection system

ABSTRACT

A cable protection system includes at least one cable protector having at least one channel extending between its opposing ends for receiving at least one cable. The cable protector may include a cover structure pivotally attached to a base member by a hinge rod inserted through hinge members formed in the cover structure and the base member. A first ramp or an additional cable protector may be attached to the cable protector by inserting one or more connectors formed on the first ramp or additional cable protector into vertically oriented apertures defined in a side of the cable protector. One or more connectors may also be formed on a side of the cable protector opposing the apertures to removably attach the cable protector to a second ramp or an additional cable protector.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to cable protectors and cableprotection systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the years, various devices and apparatuses have been developed inan effort to protect hoses, cables, wiring and the like from physicaldamage. In particular, numerous cable protector designs have beendeveloped to protect cabling extending across walkways, roadways, andconstruction sites from physical damage caused by pedestrians, vehiculartraffic and other such external elements. Cable protectors have alsoproven useful in helping to minimize the risk of pedestrians trippingover such cabling. For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms“cable” and “cabling” shall be broadly construed to include data cables,hoses, electrical wiring, telephone cables, conduits, optical fibers,pneumatic tubing, plumbing, and any other length of material.

Conventional cable protectors typically include one or more channelsextending in parallel between opposing ends of the cable protector toreceive one or more cables. Side ramps may extend laterally outwardfrom, or may be removably attachable to, the sides of the cableprotector to allow vehicles and the like to roll over the top of thecable protector. Interlockable T-shaped connector elements may be formedon the ends of the cable protector to enable a series of cableprotectors to be attached together in an end-to-end fashion toaccommodate cables of varying lengths. T-shaped connector elements mayalso be formed on the sides of the cable protector to enable a number ofcable protectors to be attached in a parallel side-by-side fashion toaccommodate large numbers of cables. Similarly, T-shaped side connectorsmay be formed on the sides of the side ramps to enable their removableattachment to the sides of the cable protector.

Traditionally, the side ramps extending from or attachable toconventional cable protectors are formed with a relatively short baseand steep slope. Although this relatively steep slope is easilynavigable by motorized vehicles and pedestrians of average strength,these slopes can be a significant hurdle or obstacle to the elderly orhandicapped. Accordingly, the side ramps extending from or attachable tosome conventional cable protectors have been formed with a more gradualslope so that a wheelchair, walker or the like can pass over the cableprotector with minimal effort. These conventional ramps have also beenequipped with side rails or curbs to restrain the wheelchair fromfalling off the edges of the ramp. Such a configuration has provenadvantageous for baby strollers, walkers, bicycles, tricycles, scooters,wagons, roller blades, skateboards, and the like.

The connectors used to detachably interlock or connect the variousmodular elements in conventional modular cable protection systems,whether or not the ramps of the system have been adapted for use by thehandicapped and elderly, suffer from a number of drawbacks anddisadvantages. For example, the complimentary male and female T-shapedconnectors formed along the sides of the main cable protectorundesirably increase the overall width of the cable protector withoutincreasing the cable-housing capacity of the cable protector itself.Specifically, because the T-shaped male and female connectors must beformed along the outer edges of the channels formed in the cableprotector for housing the cabling, a substantial portion of the overallwidth of the cable protector is devoted to non-cable-housing uses. Thus,cable protectors employing T-shaped connector elements along its sidesare typically much wider than non-modular cable protectors of the samecable-housing capacity. This configuration results in an inefficientwaste in the amount of material required to produce the cable protector,which in turn results in an undesirable increase in overall productioncosts.

Similarly, the conventional strap-like ramp connectors used todetachably connect the wheelchair ramps to the cable protector sufferfrom a number of disadvantages. Specifically, because the protrusionsformed on these strap-like ramp connectors must be engaged withinrecesses formed on the undersides of the wheelchair ramps and the cableprotector, a user attempting to interconnect these elements may struggleto correctly align the protrusions within the appropriate recess whenthe undersides of the cable protector and the ramps are positioned so asto face the ground. In addition, because the detachable connectionformed by engaging the strap-like connector's protrusions in theappropriate recesses is relatively weak, a strong torsional forceapplied to the wheelchair ramp (such as one transferred from the wheelof a heavy or powered vehicle) may be large enough to pull or break theprotrusion from the recess it is engaged within.

Accordingly, a need exists for a cable protection system capable ofquickly and easily expanding to a number of widths and lengths. A needalso exists for a system that makes efficient use of the materials usedto form the cable protector base and is capable of being adapted for useby the elderly and handicapped. Such a system may consist of variouselements that are easy to align and interconnect and are capable ofwithstanding relatively large amounts of torsional force.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to at least one embodiment, a cable protection systemcomprises at least one cable protector having a base member, at leastone channel extending between opposing ends of the base member forreceiving at least one cable, and a first ramp removably attachable to afirst side of the base member. The first ramp may comprise at least oneconnector configured to be insertable into a vertically orientedaperture defined in a first side of the base member to removably attachthe first ramp to the first side of the base member. In addition, thecable protector may comprise a cover structure pivotally attached to thebase member by a hinge rod inserted through hinge members formed in thecover structure and the base member. Alternatively, the base member ofthe cable protector may comprise a pair of substantially verticallyextending opposing side walls and a cover structure positioned on theupper surfaces of, and unitarily formed with, the opposing side walls.

In certain embodiments, the aperture defined in the first side of thebase member is generally slot shaped, while the connector of the firstramp is substantially vertically oriented and configured to removablysnap fit into the aperture defined in the base member. To facilitatethis snap fit connection, a coupling structure may be formed on theconnector of the first ramp and a complimentary coupling recess may bedefined within the aperture in the base member, with the couplingstructure configured to removably snap fit into the complimentarycoupling recess to retain the connector within the aperture. In at leastone embodiment, the coupling structure is a protuberance formed on asurface of the connector. The complimentary coupling recess may beconfigured to match the dimensions of the protuberance.

A second ramp may also be removably attachable to a second side of thebase member. To facilitate this removable attachment, a substantiallyvertically oriented aperture may be defined in this second ramp and atleast one connector may be formed on the second side of the base memberand configured to be insertable into the aperture in the second ramp.The cable protection system may also comprise a first edge railremovably attachable to a first end of the first ramp, a second edgerail removably attachable to a first end of the second ramp, and acenter edge rail positioned between and removably attachable to thefirst and second edge rails.

In certain embodiments, the first ramp and/or the second ramp may beconfigured to laterally overlap an additional ramp or an additionalcable protector. The first ramp and/or the second ramp may also comprisea substantially planar top surface and an angled bottom surface. Inaddition, the cable protection system may further comprise an additionalcable protector, at least one substantially vertically oriented aperturedefined in a side of the additional cable protector, and at least oneconnector formed on the base member and configured to be insertable intothe aperture in the additional cable protector to attach the two cableprotectors together in a side-by-side fashion. In at least oneembodiment, the cable protector and the first ramp comprise asubstantially transparent material capable of being illuminated by alight source.

In certain embodiments, a cable protector comprises a base member havingat least one channel extending between opposing ends of the base member.A substantially vertically oriented connector may be formed on the basemember and configured to be removably insertable into an aperturedefined in a ramp or in an additional cable structure. A cover may alsobe pivotally attached to the base member by a hinge rod inserted throughhinge members formed in the cover and the base member.

In at least one embodiment, a method of assembling a cable protectionsystem comprises providing at least one cable protector having at leasta first side, providing a substantially vertically oriented aperture inthe first side of the cable protector, providing a first ramp, providinga connector on the first ramp, and inserting the connector of the firstramp into the aperture in the base member to removably attach the firstramp to the first side of the cable protector. According to certainembodiments, the substantially vertically oriented aperture defined inthe base member is slot shaped. The connector of the first ramp may alsobe substantially vertically oriented and configured to removably snapfit into the aperture defined in the base member. In addition, the firstramp and/or the second ramp may be configured to laterally overlap anadditional ramp or an additional cable protector. The first ramp and/orthe second ramp may also comprise a substantially planar top surface andan angled bottom surface. The method may also further comprise removablyattaching a second ramp to a second side of the cable protector.

According to some embodiments, a cable protection system comprises atleast one cable protector having a base member, at least one channelextending between opposing ends of the base member and structured toreceive at least one cable, at least one vertically oriented slotdefined in a first side of the base member, a coupling recess definedwithin the slot in the base member, a first ramp comprising at least onevertically oriented connector, and a coupling structure formed on theconnector of the first ramp. The coupling structure formed on theconnector of the first ramp may be configured to removably snap fit intothe coupling recess defined within the slot in the base member toremovably attach the first ramp to the first side of the base member.

Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used incombination with one another in accordance with the present invention.These and other embodiments, features and advantages will be more fullyunderstood upon reading the following detailed description inconjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention and are a part of the specification. Together with thefollowing description, the drawings demonstrate and explain theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an exploded top view of an exemplary cable protection systemaccording to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an assembled top view of the exemplary cable protection systemillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an exemplary base member for a cableprotector according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 4A is an end view of the base member illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is a cutaway side view of the base member illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an exemplary arrangement of cable protectors andramps.

FIG. 6 is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protection systemaccording to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an assembled top view of the alternative cable protectionsystem illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is an end view of an alternative base member for a cableprotector.

FIG. 8B is a side view of a ramp removably attachable to the base memberillustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a side view of an additional ramp removably attachable to thebase member illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protection systemaccording to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a partially assembled top view of the alternative cableprotection system illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10B is a partially assembled top view of an alternative embodimentof the cable protection system illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protectionsystem according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 12A is a partially assembled top view of the cable protectionsystem illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12B is a partially assembled top view of an alternative embodimentof the cable protection system illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an assembled top view of an alternative cable protectionsystem according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a top view of an alternative cable protector according to atleast one embodiment.

FIG. 14B is an end view of the cable protector illustrated in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15 is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protectionsystem according to at least one embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptionsindicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While thepresent invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However,one of skill in the art will understand that the present invention isnot intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather,the invention covers all modifications, equivalents and alternativesfalling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is an exploded top view of an exemplary cable protection systemaccording to at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an assembled top view ofthe exemplary cable protection system illustrated in FIG. 1. In oneembodiment, the exemplary cable protection system illustrated in thesefigures comprises a pair of ramps 40, 50 that are removably andpivotally attachable to a cable protector 10.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, in certain embodiments cable protector 10comprises a base member 12 having a pair of opposing side walls 13. Basemember 12 may be substantially rectangular, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3,or formed in any number of other shapes or sizes, such as a square orother multi-sided shape. As seen in the end view of FIG. 4A, in oneembodiment opposing side walls 13 are substantially verticallyextending.

In certain embodiments, opposing side walls 13 form a single channelwithin base member 12 for housing one or more cables. Alternatively, asillustrated in FIG. 3, one or more vertically extending rib members 14may longitudinally divide the length of base member 12 into a pluralityof longitudinal channels 16 for housing one or more cables. As seen inFIG. 4A, rib member 14 may be formed so as to have a height that isgenerally coextensive with the height of the side walls 13 of basemember 12.

Advantageously, when a plurality of cables are housed within base member12, rib members 14 act as barriers between the longitudinally extendingcables to minimize tangling, electrical interference, and the like. Asdetailed above, numerous forms of cables and wires may be housed withinbase member 12; including, for example, data cables, hoses, electricalwiring, telephone cables, conduits, optical fibers, pneumatic tubing,plumbing, and any other length of material.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a cover 18 may bepivotally attached to base member 12 by a hinge structure 20. In thisexemplary embodiment, hinge structure 20 may comprise a plurality ofalternately spaced hinge members 22 formed on an upper surface of one ofthe side walls 13 of base member 12, and a plurality of alternatelyspaced hinge members 26 formed on one side of cover 18. In certainembodiments, hinge members 22 and 26 are formed in a hollow, tubularshape so as to be capable of housing a cylindrical or rod-like member,such as a hinge rod or pin. Although illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as asubstantially continuous hinge structure, hinge structure 20 may also beformed of any number of hinge structures known to those of skill in theart; including, for example, a flush hinge, a barrel hinge, a butthinge, or a concealed hinge.

As seen in FIG. 3, hinge members 22 may be spaced along side wall 13 ofbase member 12 so as to mate with an equal number of recesses 28 ofsimilar dimension defined along the side of cover 18 (illustrated inFIG. 1). Similarly, hinge members 26 may be spaced along the side ofcover 18 so as to mate with an equal number of recesses 24 of similardimension defined along the upper surface of side wall 13 of base member12. The lengths, widths and depths of recesses 24, 28 may be defined tobe slightly larger than those of hinge members 22, 26, respectively, inorder to allow hinge members 22, 26 to be easily inserted into recesses24, 28. When properly mated and aligned, hinge members 22, 26 define asubstantially continuous passageway 29 extending throughout the lengthof the aligned hinge members. In certain embodiments, passageway 29 isdefined so as to be substantially cylindrical.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, a rod member 30 is insertedthroughout the passageway 29 defined by the aligned hinge members 22, 26to pivotally hinge cover 18 to base member 12. Although rod member 30may be formed to be substantially cylindrical, rod member 30 may also beformed of any structure or shape capable of hinging opposing structures.The various elements of hinge structure 20 thus enable cover 18 tofreely pivot about rod member 30 as cable protector 10 is opened andclosed. When in a closed position, cover 18 advantageously rests uponthe upper surfaces of side walls 13 and/or rib members 14 to coverchannels 16 and to protect any cables housed therein.

As best seen in FIG. 3, in certain exemplary embodiments one or morecutout recesses 32 are defined along the upper surface of side wall 13in base member 12. Although cutout recesses 32 may be spaced along sidewall 13 in any number of ways and patterns, in at least one embodimentcutout recesses 32 are defined between adjacent hinge members 22 formedalong the side wall 13 of base member 12. Further, cutout recesses 32may be spaced along the side wall 13 of base member 12 so as to directlyoppose recesses 28 spaced along the side of cover 18. Optionally, cutoutrecesses 32 serve to expose one or more portions 33 of rod member 30(best seen in FIG. 2), even when rod member 30 is housed in thepassageway 29 defined by aligned hinge members 22, 26. The depth andheight of cutout recesses 32 may also be defined in side wall 13 so thatthe entire circumference of exposed rod portion 33 is exposed (FIG. 2).

As seen in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, a ramp 40may be removably and pivotally attached to a side of cable protector 10.In at least one embodiment, ramp 40 comprises a tapered structure havingone or more male end connectors 42 formed on one of its ends, and one ormore female end connectors 43 formed on its opposing end. Generallyspeaking, end connectors 42, 43 may be formed of any shape or connectingstructure known to those in the art; including, for example, T-shapedconnectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors, complimentaryblock-shaped connectors, so-called tongue-and-groove connectors,hourglass-shaped connectors, and the like.

Ramp 40 may also comprise one or more pivot connectors 44 formed along asubstantially vertical side wall 45 that opposes a tapered side 46 ofthe ramp. In certain embodiments, pivot connectors 44 horizontallyextend from side wall 45 in a general hook-shaped manner so as to beremovably and pivotably interlockable with an opposing structure, suchas a similarly shaped hook member, or a rod or pin-like member. In theexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, pivot connectors 44 areformed in a hook shape so as to pivotally interlock with the exposedportions 33 of rod member 30 housed within hinge structure 20 of cableprotector 10.

The number of pivot connectors 44 formed along the side of ramp 40 maybe equal to the number of portions 33 of rod member 30 that are exposedby cutout recesses 32 in cable protector 10. In addition, each pivotconnector 44 may be spaced along side wall 45 so as to pivotallyinterlock with an opposing exposed portion 33 of rod member 30 housedwithin hinge structure 20 of cable protector 10.

Although pivot connectors 44 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 as having acurvature that extends generally up and away from the ground, pivotconnectors 44 may also be formed to have a curvature that extendsgenerally downwards towards the ground. In addition, while pivotconnectors 44 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 as being formed in ahook-like shape so as to be pivotally interlockable with the exposedportions 33 of rod member 30, pivot connectors 44 may also be formed ofany number of other shapes or structures capable of pivotallyinterlocking with an opposing structure. For example, pivot connector 44may be formed of a ball-shaped structure capable of pivotallyinterconnecting with a socket formed in the side wall 13 of base member12, thereby forming a so-called ball-and-socket pivot joint.

According to at least one embodiment, ramp 40 is removably and pivotallyattached to cable protector 10 by: 1) rotating cable protector 10approximately ninety degrees from normal in the clockwise direction, 2)lowering cable protector 10 near ramp 40 such that the exposed portions33 of rod member 30 interlock with pivot connectors 44, and then 3)rotating cable protector 10 approximately ninety degrees in thecounter-clockwise direction. Persons of skill the art will recognizethat any number of alternative methods and/or sequences may be used toremovably and pivotally attach ramp 40 to cable protector 10,particularly in light of the various possible shapes, structures, andconfigurations of pivot connectors 44 and their opposing interlockablestructures.

As seen in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, cableprotector 10 may also comprise one or more pivot connectors 34 formedalong a side wall 13 opposing cutout recesses 32. In certainembodiments, pivot connectors 34 horizontally extend from side wall 13in a general hook-shaped manner so as to be removably and pivotablyinterlockable with an opposing structure, such as a similarly shapedhook member, or a rod or pin-like member. Similar to pivot connectors44, pivot connectors 34 may be formed to have a curvature that extendsgenerally up and away from the ground (as illustrated in FIG. 1), ordownwards towards the ground. Pivot connectors 34 may also be formed ofany number of other shapes or structures capable of pivotallyinterlocking with an opposing structure; including, for example, aball-shaped structure capable of pivotally interconnecting with a socketto form a ball-and-socket joint.

In at least one embodiment, pivot connectors 34 are removably andpivotally attachable to one or more pivot structures (representedgenerally as element 51 in FIG. 1) formed in a ramp 50. Generallyspeaking, pivot structure 51 may be formed of any number of shapes orstructures capable of pivotally interlocking with the various possibleconfigurations of pivot connector 34 in cable protector 10, described ingreater detail above. Examples of suitable configurations of ramp pivotstructure 51 include an integrally or discretely formed metal or plasticpin partially extending along the side of ramp 50 (capable ofinterlocking with the hook-shaped embodiment of pivot connector 34), anexposed portion of a rod member housed within the side wall of ramp 50(also capable of interlocking with the hook-shaped embodiment of pivotconnector 34), and a socket (capable of pivotally interlocking with theball-shaped embodiment of pivot connector 34).

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, ramp pivotstructure 51 comprises a rod member 55 inserted through and/or housedwithin a side wall of ramp 50. In this exemplary embodiment, one or morecutout recesses 56 are defined along the upper surface of the side wallof ramp 50 to expose portions 58 (best seen in FIG. 2) of rod member 55housed within ramp 50. Although cutout recesses 56 may be spaced alongthe ramp's side wall in any number of ways and patterns, in certainembodiments cutout recesses 56 are spaced along the side wall of ramp 50so as to directly oppose the pivot connectors 34 spaced along the sidewall of cable protector 10. The depth and height of cutout recesses 56may also be defined so that the entire circumference of exposed rodportion 58 is exposed.

In at least one embodiment, ramp 50 further comprises a taperedstructure having one or more male end connectors 52 formed on one of itsends, and one or more female end connectors 53 formed on its opposingend. Generally speaking, end connectors 52, 53 may be formed of anysuitable shape or connecting structure known to those in the art;including, for example, T-shaped connectors, so-called dogbone-shapedconnectors, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-calledtongue-and-groove connectors, hourglass-shaped connectors, and the like.

According to certain embodiments, ramp 50 is removably and pivotallyattached to cable protector 10 by: 1) rotating ramp 50 approximatelyninety degrees from normal in the clockwise direction, 2) lowering ramp50 near cable protector 10 such that the exposed portions 58 of rodmember 55 interlock with pivot connectors 34, and then 3) rotating ramp50 approximately ninety degrees in the counter-clockwise direction. Anynumber of alternative methods and/or sequences may be used to removablyand pivotally attach ramp 50 to cable protector 10, particularly inlight of the various possible shapes, structures and configurations ofpivot connector 34 and its opposing interlockable structure.

As best seen in FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, one or more exemplary connectorrecesses 35 may be defined along the underside of one or both ends ofthe base member 12 of cable protector 10. In certain embodiments, asseen in FIGS. 3 and 4B, connector recesses 35 may be defined along theunderside of the end of one or more of rib members 14 formed in basemember 12. In particular, connector recesses 35 may be formed such thata protrusion on the end of a removable clip connector 38 (seen inFIG. 1) inserted into connector recess 35 extends up and through anopening 37 defined in rib member 14 to firmly, yet removably, connectclip connector 38 to cable protector 10. Connector recess 35 isgenerally defined and structured so as to substantially mirror the sizeand shape of the end of clip connector 38 on which the protrusion isformed.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more connector recesses 36 aregenerally defined and structured along the underside of one or both endsof base member 12, as seen in FIG. 4B. Similar to connector recesses 35,connector recesses 36 may be defined along the underside of the end ofone or more of rib members 14 to substantially mirror the shape and sizeof the end of clip connector 38 that opposes the end on which theprotrusion is formed.

Although removable clip connectors 38 are described as having opposingends of differing shape, the ends of clip connectors 38 may also beformed to mirror one another. Similarly, although cable protector 10 isillustrated in FIG. 4B as having one pair of connector recess 35 definedon one end of cable protector 10 and one pair of connector recesses 36defined on an opposing end, cable protector 10 may be formed to haveconnector recesses 35 defined in both of its ends, to have connectorrecesses 36 defined in both of its ends, or some alternative combinationthereof.

The exemplary cable protection system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 mayalso comprise a pair of laterally opposing end pieces 60, 70 removablyattachable to the opposing ends of cable protector 10. In certainembodiments, male end piece 60 is removably attached to cable protector10 by inserting the clip connectors 38 housed in the connector recesses35 or 36 of cable protector 10 into one or more similarly formedconnector recesses defined in end piece 60. Similar to connectorrecesses 35 and 36, these connector recesses may be defined along theunderside of one end of end piece 60 to substantially mirror the shapeand size of one of the ends of clip connector 38.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, male end piece 60generally comprises a pair of substantially vertical opposing side walls65. One or more vertically extending rib members 63 may longitudinallydivide the length of male end piece 60 into a plurality of longitudinalchannels 64 for housing one or more cables. Rib members 63 may be formedso as to have a height that is generally coextensive with the height ofside walls 65 and may be spaced similarly to rib members 14 in cableprotector 10. When male end piece 60 is removably attached to the end ofcable protector 10, side walls 65 and rib members 63 advantageouslyserve to extend the length of the cable channels 16 defined within cableprotector 10.

According to certain embodiments, male end piece 60 is formed to have apair of laterally opposing side ramps 66. Although side ramps 66 may beintegrally formed with male end piece 60, side ramps 66 may also beformed to be removably attachable to male end piece 60. Male end piece60 may also be formed to have one or more male end connectors 68 forremovably attaching male end piece 60 to additional end pieces, cableprotectors, and the like. Generally speaking, male end connectors 68 maybe formed of any suitable shape or connecting structure known to thosein the art; including, for example, T-shaped connectors, so-calleddogbone-shaped connectors, complimentary block-shaped connectors,so-called tongue-and-groove connectors, hourglass-shaped connectors, andthe like.

Similar to male end piece 60, female end piece 70 may be removablyattached to cable protector 10 by inserting clip connectors 38 housed inone or more connector recesses defined in end piece 70 into connectorrecesses 35 or 36 defined in the end of cable protector 10. As seen inFIGS. 1-2, female end piece 70 generally comprises a pair ofsubstantially vertical opposing side walls 75. One or more verticallyextending rib members 73 may longitudinally divide the length of femaleend piece 70 into a plurality of longitudinal channels 74 for housingone or more cables. As with rib members 63, rib members 73 may be formedso as to have a height that is generally coextensive with the height ofside walls 75 and may be spaced similarly to rib members 14 in cableprotector 10.

Similar to male end piece 60, female end piece 70 may be formed to havea pair of laterally opposing side ramps 76. As with side ramps 66, sideramps 76 may be integrally formed with or removably attachable to femaleend piece 70. Female end piece 70 may also be formed to have one or morefemale end connectors 78 for removably attaching additional end pieces,cable protectors, and the like to female end piece 70. Female endconnectors 78 may further be formed of any suitable shape or connectingstructure, as known to those skilled in the art; including, for example,T-shaped connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors, complimentaryblock-shaped connectors, so-called tongue-and-groove connectors,hourglass-shaped connectors, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the exemplary cable protection systemillustrated in FIG. 1 may further comprise one or more edge rails 80,90, and 100 removably attachable to the ends of ramps 40, 50 and cableprotector 10. As seen in FIGS. 1-2, a tapered edge rail 80 having one ormore male end connectors 82 may be removably attached to an end of ramps40, 50 by inserting male end connectors 82 into the complimentary-shapedfemale end connectors 43, 53 respectively formed in ramps 40, 50.Similarly, a tapered edge rail 90 having one or more female endconnectors 92 may be removably attached to an opposing end of ramps 40,50 by inserting the ramp's male end connectors 42, 52 into thecomplimentary-shaped female end connectors 93 defined in edge rail 90.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, edge rails 80, 90are respectively formed to have edge rail connectors opposing theircurved ends 86, 96. According to this exemplary embodiment, the sidewalls of the end of edge rail 80 may be cut away to form a ridge 84,while a groove 94 may be defined at the end of edge rail 90. In at leastone embodiment, ridge 84 of edge rail 80 is removably connectable to acomplementary groove 104 defined in one end of a center edge rail 100.Similarly, groove 94 of edge rail 90 may be removably connectable to acomplementary ridge-shaped connector 106 formed on the opposing end ofcenter edge rail 100.

According to certain embodiments, center edge rail 100 comprises aplanar end piece cover 102 positioned between edge rail connectors 104,106. Planar end piece cover 102 may be formed so as to rest upon theupper surfaces of side walls 65, 75 and rib members 63, 73 of end pieces60, 70 when center edge rail 100 is removably connected to edge rails80, 90. In addition, the size and shape of planar end piece cover 102may be chosen so as to completely cover the channels 64, 74 formed inend pieces 60, 70 to protect any cables housed therein.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an exemplary arrangement of cable protectors andramps. As illustrated in this figure, an exemplary cable protectionsystem may be adapted to house any number of cables and/or to extendover roadways and walkways of varying widths and lengths. For example,any number of cable protectors 10 may be removably and pivotallyattached together in a side-by-side fashion so as to house greater orlesser numbers of cables. Specifically, as with the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, the pivot connectors of a first cable protector10 may be removably and pivotally interlocked with the exposed portionsof a rod member housed in a second cable protector 10 to removably andpivotally attach the two cable protectors together.

Similarly, any number of cable protectors 10 may be removably attachedtogether in an end-to-end fashion so as to extend exemplary cableprotection system across roadways or walkways of varying widths.Specifically, clip connectors housed in recesses of a first cableprotector 10 may be inserted into recesses defined in a third cableprotector 10 to removably attach the two cable protectors together, asseen in FIG. 5. If desired, further cable protectors 10 and/or ramps 40,50 may be attached in various arrays to provide any suitableconfiguration in a simple and rapid manner.

FIG. 6 is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protection system200 according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 7 is an assembled topview of the alternative cable protection system 200 illustrated in FIG.6. In certain embodiments, exemplary cable protection system 200comprises a pair of ramps 240, 250 that are removably attachable to acable protector 210.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, in some embodiments cable protector 210comprises a base member 212 having a pair of opposing side walls 213.Base member 212 may be substantially rectangular, as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, or formed in any number of other shapes or sizes, such asa square or other multi-sided shape. Opposing side walls 213 may form asingle channel within base member 212 for housing one or more cables.Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, one or more verticallyextending rib members 214 may longitudinally divide the length of basemember 212 into a plurality of longitudinal channels 216 for housing oneor more cables.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8A, a cover218 may be pivotally attached to base member 212 by a hinge structure220. In this exemplary embodiment, hinge structure 220 may comprise aplurality of alternately spaced hinge members 222 formed on an uppersurface of one of the side walls 213 of base member 212, and a pluralityof alternately spaced hinge members 226 formed on one side of cover 218.In certain embodiments, hinge members 222 and 226 are formed in ahollow, tubular shape so as to be capable of housing a cylindrical orrod-like member, such as a hinge rod or pin. Similar to hinge structure20, hinge structure 220 may be formed of any number of hinge structuresknown to those of skill in the art; including, for example, a flushhinge, a barrel hinge, a butt hinge, or a concealed hinge.

Hinge members 222 may be spaced along side wall 213 of base member 212so as to mate with an equal number of recesses 228 of similar dimensiondefined along the side of cover 218 (illustrated in FIG. 6). Similarly,hinge members 226 may be spaced along the side of cover 218 so as tomate with an equal number of recesses 224 of similar dimension definedalong the upper surface of side wall 213 of base member 212. Thelengths, widths and depths of recesses 224, 228 may be defined to beslightly larger than those of hinge members 222, 226, respectively, inorder to allow hinge members 222, 226 to be easily inserted intorecesses 224, 228. When properly mated and aligned, hinge members 222,226 define a substantially continuous passageway 229 extendingthroughout the length of the aligned hinge members. In certainembodiments, passageway 229 is defined so as to be substantiallycylindrical.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, a rod member 230 is insertedthroughout the passageway 229 defined by the aligned hinge members 222,226 to pivotally hinge cover 218 to base member 212. Although rod member230 may be formed to be substantially cylindrical, rod member 230 mayalso be formed of any structure or shape capable of hinging opposingstructures. The various elements of hinge structure 220 thus enablecover 218 to freely pivot about rod member 230 as cable protector 210 isopened and closed. When in a closed position, cover 218 advantageouslyrests upon the upper surfaces of side walls 213 and/or rib members 214to cover channels 216 and to protect any cables housed therein.

As best seen in FIG. 8A, base member 212 may also comprise one or moreconnectors 232 to removably attach cable protector 210 to a side of ramp240. In many embodiments, connectors 232 are substantially verticallyoriented; that is, they extend generally perpendicular to the horizontalplane defined by cover 218. Although connectors 232 are illustrated inFIG. 8A as extending generally downwards towards the ground, connectors232 may also be configured to extend generally up and away from theground. Generally speaking, connectors 232 may be formed of any numberof shapes or structures capable of interlocking with, or being insertedinto, an opposing structure; including, for example, a substantiallyvertically extending protrusion, a ball-shaped structure capable ofinterconnecting with a socket to form a ball-and-socket joint, acantilever configured to “snap fit” into a complimentary recess, or thelike.

In at least one embodiment, connectors 232 are configured to beinsertable into one or more apertures 246 formed in ramp 240. As seen inFIG. 8B, in many embodiments apertures 246 are defined within ramp 240so as to be substantially vertically oriented. According to thisexemplary embodiment, apertures 246 are defined in a general slot shapethat embodies the inverse of the dimensions of connectors 232.Alternatively, apertures 246 may be formed of any number of other shapescapable of receiving the various possible configurations of connectors232 (described in greater detail above); including, for example, acircular socket (capable of interlocking with the ball-shaped embodimentof connector 232), a cubic or rectangular aperture or recess (capable ofreceiving the substantially vertical protrusion embodiment of connector232), or the like.

In certain embodiments, connectors 232 may be configured to snap fitinto apertures 246 defined in ramp 240 to removably attach cableprotector to a side of ramp 240. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG.8A, a coupling structure 233 may be formed on an inner surface ofconnector 232 and configured to snap fit into a complimentary-shapedcoupling recess 248 (FIG. 8B) defined along the inner surface ofaperture 246. According to many embodiments, coupling recess 248 isdefined to have a shape that generally embodies the inverse of the shapeof coupling structure 233. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B,coupling structure 233 may be configured as a substantiallysemi-circular protuberance, while coupling recess 248 may be defined asa substantially semi-circular recess. Accordingly, when connector 232 isinserted into aperture 246, coupling structure 233 may slidably engage(or snap fit into) coupling recess 248 to facilitate retention ofconnector 232 in aperture 246.

Although coupling structure 233 and coupling recess 248 have beendescribed and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, anynumber of complimentary shapes and sizes may be utilized to facilitatethe snap fit connection described herein. For example, instead of beingsemi-circular in shape, coupling structure 233 and recess 248 may betriangular, rectangular, circular, square-shaped, or the like. Inaddition, recess 248 may extend deeper within the inner surface ofaperture 246, while structure 233 may extend further outward fromconnector 232. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art,modifying structure 233 and recess 248 in this manner correspondinglyvaries the amount of force required to break the snap fit connectionestablished between these elements and withdraw connector 232 fromaperture 246.

In at least one embodiment, ramp 240 comprises a tapered structurehaving one or more male end connectors 242 formed on one of its ends,and one or more female end connectors 244 formed on its opposing end.Although illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8B as being formed in a generalhourglass shape, end connectors 242, 244 may be formed of any shape orconnecting structure known to those in the art; including, for example,complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-called tongue-and-grooveconnectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors, T-shaped connectors,and the like.

According to at least one embodiment, cable protector 210 is removablyattached to ramp 240 by: 1) elevating cable protector 210, 2)positioning connectors 232 of cable protector 210 directly overapertures 246 defined in ramp 240, 3) inserting connectors 232 intoapertures 246 and lowering cable protector 210. Persons of skill the artwill recognize that any number of alternative methods and/or sequencesmay be used to removably attach cable protector 210 to ramp 240,particularly in light of the various possible shapes, structures, andconfigurations of connectors 232 and apertures 246.

As seen in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8C,a ramp 250 may be removably attached to a side of cable protector 210that opposes the side attached to ramp 240. Similar to ramp 240, ramp250 may comprise a tapered structure having one or more male endconnectors 252 and one or more female end connectors 254 formed on itsends. Generally speaking, end connectors 252, 254 may be formed of anyshape or connecting structure known to those in the art; including, forexample, hourglass-shaped connectors, complimentary block-shapedconnectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors, so-calledtongue-and-groove connectors, T-shaped connectors, and the like.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8C, ramp 250 may also comprise one ormore connectors 256 formed along a substantially vertical side wall thatopposes its tapered side. In many embodiments, connectors 256 aresubstantially vertically oriented. Although connectors 256 areillustrated in FIG. 8C as extending generally downwards towards theground, connectors 256 may also be configured to extend generally up andaway from the ground. As with connectors 232, connectors 256 may beformed of any number of shapes or structures capable of interlockingwith, or being inserted into, an opposing structure; including, forexample, a substantially vertically extending protrusion, a ball-shapedstructure capable of interconnecting with a socket to form aball-and-socket joint, a cantilever configured to snap fit into acomplimentary recess, or the like.

In at least one embodiment, connectors 256 are configured to beinsertable into one or more apertures 234 formed in base member 212 ofcable protector 210. In many embodiments apertures 234 are definedwithin base member 212 so as to be substantially vertically oriented;that is, apertures 234 may be defined within base member 212 so as toextend generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by cover218. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A, apertures 234are defined in a general slot shape that embodies the inverse of thedimensions of connectors 256. Alternatively, as with apertures 246,apertures 234 may be formed of any number of other shapes capable ofreceiving the various possible configurations of connectors 256(described in greater detail above); including, for example, a circularsocket (capable of interlocking with the ball-shaped embodiment ofconnector 256), a cubic or rectangular aperture or recess (capable ofreceiving the substantially vertical protrusion embodiment of connector256), or the like.

In certain embodiments, connectors 256 may be configured to snap fitinto apertures 234 defined in base member 212 to removably attach ramp250 to cable protector 210. Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and8C, a coupling structure 258 may be formed on an inner surface ofconnector 256 and configured to snap fit into a complimentary-shapedcoupling recess 235 defined along the inner surface of aperture 234.According to many embodiments, coupling recess 235 is defined to have ashape that generally embodies the inverse of the shape of couplingstructure 258. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8C, couplingrecess 235 may be defined as a substantially semi-circular recess, whilecoupling structure 258 may be configured as a substantiallysemi-circular protuberance. Accordingly, when connector 256 is insertedinto aperture 234, coupling structure 258 may slidably engage (or snapfit into) coupling recess 235 to facilitate retention of connector 256in aperture 234.

Although coupling structure 258 and coupling recess 235 have beendescribed and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, anynumber of complimentary shapes and sizes may be utilized to facilitatethe snap fit connection described herein. For example, instead of beingsemi-circular in shape, coupling structure 258 and recess 235 may betriangular, rectangular, circular, or squared in shape. In addition,recess 235 may extend deeper within the inner surface of aperture 234,while structure 258 may extend further outward from connector 256. Aswill be appreciated by those of skill in the art, modifying structure258 and recess 235 in this manner correspondingly varies the amount offorce required to break the snap fit connection established betweenthese elements and withdraw connector 232 from aperture 234.

According to at least one embodiment, ramp 250 is removably attached tocable protector 210 by: 1) elevating ramp 250, 2) positioning connectors256 of ramp 250 directly over apertures 234 defined in base member 212of cable protector 210, 3) inserting connectors 256 into apertures 234and lowering ramp 250. Persons of skill the art will recognize that anynumber of alternative methods and/or sequences may be used to removablyattach ramp 250 to cable protector 210, particularly in light of thevarious possible shapes, structures, and configurations of connectors256 and apertures 234.

Since, in at least one embodiment, connectors 232, 256 and apertures234, 246 are substantially vertically oriented, assembled cableprotection system 200 is capable of withstanding larger torsional forcesthan conventional cable protection systems. Specifically, due to theirsubstantially vertically oriented configuration, connectors 232, 256 aremuch more likely to be retained within apertures 234, 246 when atorsional force (such as one transferred from the wheel of a heavy orpowered vehicle) is applied to ramps 240, 250 than if these connectorsand apertures were horizontally oriented in a conventionalconfiguration. In addition, the substantially vertical orientation ofexemplary connectors 232, 256 and apertures 234, 246 results in a moreefficient use of the materials used to form base member 212 of cableprotector 210 since a substantial portion of the overall width of thecable protector is not devoted to non-cable-housing uses, as is the casewith conventional horizontally oriented connectors. Thus, exemplarycable protection system 200 is typically much more narrow thanconventional cable protectors of similar cable-housing capacity,resulting in decreased production costs and increased cable-housingcapabilities.

In certain embodiments, exemplary cable protection system 200 furthercomprises one or more edge rails 260, 265, 270, 275, and 280 removablyattachable to the ends of ramps 240, 250 and cable protector 210. Asseen in FIGS. 6-7, tapered edge rail 260 may be removably attached to afirst end of ramp 240 by inserting its male end connectors 262 into thecomplimentary-shaped female end connectors 244 formed in ramp 240, whiletapered edge rail 265 may be removably attached to an opposing end oframp 240 by inserting the male end connectors 242 formed on ramp 240into the complimentary-shaped female end connectors 267 formed in rail265. Similarly, tapered edge rail 270 may be removably attached to afirst end of ramp 250 by its inserting male end connectors 272 into thefemale end connectors 254 of ramp 250 and by inserting the male endconnector 252 of ramp 250 into female end connector 273 of rail 270.Tapered edge rail 275 may also be removably attached to an opposing endof ramp 250 by inserting its male end connector 278 into the female endconnector 254 of ramp 250 and by inserting the male end connectors 252of ramp 250 into the female end connectors 277 of rail 275.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, edge rails 260,265, 270, and 275 are respectively formed to have edge rail connectorsopposing their curved and tapered ends. According to this exemplaryembodiment, the side walls of the connectors on edge rails 260 and 270may be cut away to respectively form a ridge 264, 274, while a groove269, 279 may be defined in the connector end of rails 265 and 275. In atleast one embodiment, ridges 264, 274 are removably connectable to acomplementary groove 282 defined in one end of a center edge rail 280.Similarly, grooves 269, 279 may be removably connectable to acomplementary ridge-shaped connector 284 formed on the opposing end ofcenter edge rail 280. As detailed above, attaching edge rails 260-280 tocable protector 210 and ramps 240, 250 in this manner helps restrainwheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and the like from falling off the edgesof the cable protection system.

Although the ramps illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, 5, 6-7, and 8B-8C have beendescribed and illustrated as being formed to have a relatively gradualslope so that a wheelchair, walker or the like can pass over the cableprotector with minimal effort, these ramps may also be formed of anynumber of suitable shapes, sizes, and slopes. For example, asillustrated in FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B, ramps 340, 350 may be configuredto have a slope that is significantly steeper than the slope of ramps40, 50, 240, and 250. As with ramps 40, 50, 240, and 250, ramps 340 and350 may be removably attachable to a cable protector 310. In addition,as with ramps 40, 50, 240, and 250, in at least one embodiment ramps 340and 350 comprise one or more male end connectors 342, 352 and one ormore female end connectors 344, 354 for facilitating the end-to-endconnection of one or more ramps and/or one or more cable protectors. Aswith the end connectors described in connection with previousembodiments, male end connectors 342, 352 (and/or female end connectors344, 354) may either be positioned on adjacent ends of ramps 340, 350(as illustrated in FIG. 10B) or on opposing ends of ramps 340, 350 (asillustrated in FIG. 10A).

FIG. 11 is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protectionsystem 400 according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 12A is a partiallyassembled top view of alternative cable protection system 400. FIG. 12Bis a partially assembled top view of an alternative embodiment of cableprotection system 400. As seen in these figures, in certain embodimentsexemplary cable protection system 400 comprises a pair of ramps 440, 450configured to be removably attachable to a cable protector 410.According to some embodiments, ramps 440, 450 generally comprise taperedstructures having one or more male end connectors 442, 452 and one ormore female end connectors 444, 454 respectively formed on their ends.As with the end connectors described in previous embodiments, male endconnectors 442, 452 (and/or female end connectors 444, 454) may eitherbe positioned on adjacent ends of ramps 440, 450 (as illustrated in FIG.12B) or on opposing ends of ramps 440, 450 (as illustrated in FIG. 12A).In contrast to the ramps illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, 5, 6-7, 8B-8C, 9, and10A-10B, which generally taper down and away from the cable protector towhich they are attached, ramps 440, 450 may be configured to tapergenerally up and away from cable protector 410. In other words, as seenin FIGS. 12A and 12B, in certain embodiments ramps 440, 450 may beconfigured to have a generally planar (i.e., flat or level) top surface445, 455 and an angled (i.e., angled with respect to the horizontalplane defined by top surface 445, 455) bottom surface 447, 457, asopposed to having a generally planar bottom surface and angled topsurface. When assembled, cable protector 410 and ramps 440, 450collectively represent an “upside down” cable protector assembly.

In at least one embodiment, ramps 440, 450 are configured in this mannerso as to laterally overlap the conventionally tapered sides of anadditional ramp or an additional cable protector. For example, upwardlytapered ramps 440, 450 may be positioned to laterally overlap downwardlytapered ramps (such as ramps 340, 350). Generally speaking, configuringexemplary ramps 440, 450 in this manner enables a user to quickly andeasily expand the lateral size of a cable protection system.Specifically, instead of having to insert, interconnect, or interlockvarious connectors or assembly structures to laterally attach a cableprotector to an existing cable protection assembly in a side-by-sidefashion, exemplary cable protection system 400 is configured such that auser need only slide cable protection system 400 towards a cableprotection system or ramp having conventionally tapered sides until theangled bottom surfaces 447, 457 of upwardly tapered ramps 440 or 450laterally overlap the top surfaces of the downwardly tapered existingcable protector or ramp.

Although both ramps 440 and 450 are illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B ashaving substantially planar top surfaces 445, 455 and angled bottomsurfaces 447, 457, in some embodiments either ramp 440 or ramp 450 maybe configured to have a conventionally angled top surface and asubstantially planar bottom surface, similar to ramps 40, 50, 240, 250,340, and 350. Specifically, ramp 440 may be configured to have agenerally planar top surface 445 and an angled bottom surface 447, whileramp 450 may be removed and replaced with a ramp configured to have agenerally planar bottom surface and an angled top surface, or viceversa. In addition, ramps 440, 450 may be formed to have a relativelysteep slope (as illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B), or more of agradual slope (as with ramps 40, 50 in FIGS. 1-2). As will beappreciated by those of skill in the art, mixing and matching rampshaving differing shapes in this manner enables a user to modifyexemplary cable protection system 400 so as be positionable between twoconventionally tapered cable protection systems (such as systems 200 and300), or between one “upside-down” cable protector and oneconventionally tapered system (such as system 300 and another system400). This exemplary “building block” configuration of system 400 thusincreases the flexibility of the system as a whole, resulting in greaterease of use and interchangeability of parts.

As with ramps 40, 50 illustrated in FIG. 5, the exemplary cableprotection systems illustrated in FIGS. 6-15 may be adapted to house anynumber of cables and/or to extend over roadways and walkways of varyinglengths. For example, any number of cable protectors in these systemsmay be removably attached together in a side-by-side fashion so as tohouse greater or lesser numbers of cables. Specifically, connectorsformed on the side of a first cable protector may be removably insertedinto apertures defined in the side of a second cable protector toremovably attach the two cable protectors together in a side-by-sidefashion. Additional cable protectors may be attached to either side ofthis assembly to increase the cable-housing capacity of the system asneeded.

Similarly, any number of cable protectors in systems 200, 300, and 400may be removably attached together in an end-to-end fashion so as toextend these exemplary cable protection systems across roadways orwalkways of varying widths. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, oneor more cable protectors 510A-C may be removably attached together in anend-to-end fashion by staggering the manner in which ramps 540, 550 areconnected. Specifically, after abutting the end of a first cableprotector 510A against the end of a second cable protector 510B (as seenin FIG. 13), a first pair of ramps 540A, 550A may be removably attachedto either side of the cable protectors so positioned, with the abuttingends of cable protectors 510A, 510B positioned near the centers of ramps540A, 540B. As illustrated in FIG. 13, additional cable protectors (suchas third cable protector 510C) may also be connected to either end ofthis assembly using one more additional ramps (such as the second pairof ramps 540B, 550B) in a similar manner to increase the length of thesystem as needed. Additionally or alternatively, cable protectors 510A-Cmay be removably attached together in an end-to-end fashion using one ormore end connectors, such as clip connectors 38 illustrated in FIG. 1.As will be appreciated, one or more gradually sloped ramps and/or one ormore steeply sloped ramps may be connected to the sides of the cableprotectors connected together in this end-to-end fashion. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 15, one or more gradually sloped ramps 740, 750and/or one or more steeply sloped ramps 745, 755 may be connected to thesides of a plurality of cable protectors 710 connected togetherend-to-end. In addition, as with the exemplary cable protection systemsillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7, one or more edge rails 760, 765,770, 775, and 780 may be removably attached to the ends of ramps 740,750.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, mixing and matchingthe various “building blocks” of these exemplary cable protectionsystems in this manner enables a user to form a system capable ofhousing any number of cables and/or extending over roadways and walkwaysof varying lengths. The flexibility of the system as a whole is thusincreased, resulting in greater ease of use and interchangeability ofparts.

Although the various cable protectors embodiments illustrated in FIGS.1-13 and 15 show a cover structure pivotally attached to a base member,various alternative arrangements and configurations fall within thescope of the present invention. For example, the cover structure may besnap fit or otherwise removably attached to the base member.Alternatively, the cable protector may comprise a unitary basemember/cover structure having an open base for covering one or morecables. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a cableprotector 610 may comprise a cover structure 618 unitarily formed on theupper surface of a pair of opposing side walls 613. In certainembodiments, cover structure 618 and opposing side walls 613 define asingle channel 616 for housing one or more cables. Additionally oralternatively, one or more vertically extending rib members (similar torib members 14 in FIGS. 4) may longitudinally divide the length of cableprotector 610 into a plurality of longitudinal channels for housing oneor more cables. Similar to cable protectors 210, 310, 410, and 510,cable protector 610 may also comprise one or more connectors 632 and/orapertures 634 for facilitating the side-by-side or end-to-end connectionof additional ramps or cable protectors.

In addition, although the various cable protector embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 1-15 have been described as having one or moreconnectors formed on a first side of the base member and one or moreapertures or exposed rod portions formed on an opposing side of the basemember, various alternative arrangements and configurations fall withinthe scope of the present invention. For example, the base members may beformed with connectors on both sides, or it may have apertures orexposed rod portions defined in each of its sides. Similarly, the basemembers may be formed such that a connector is formed on the same sideas an aperture or exposed pin or partial rod-member.

The elements of the exemplary cable protection systems illustrated inFIGS. 1-15, such as the cable protectors, ramps, end pieces, and edgerails illustrated in these figures, may be formed of any number orcombination of suitable materials. For example, the elements of theseexemplary cable protection systems may be molded of a rigid,high-strength plastic material capable of withstanding repeated loadingsand stresses. Alternatively or additionally, these elements may beformed of various metallic elements, such as steel or iron. In addition,metal or plastic plating or gripping may be formed on the upper surfacesof one or more of these elements, as illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, toimprove the traction of pedestrians or vehicles traveling over the cableprotection system.

In addition, the various elements of the exemplary cable protectionsystems illustrated in FIGS. 1-15 may be of any color or opacity. Forexample, in at least one embodiment the various elements in these cableprotection systems may be brightly or fluorescently colored to increasethe conspicuousness of the system. Additionally or alternatively, theelements in these systems may be formed of a generally or substantiallytransparent material and illuminated by white or colored light sourcesto increase the visibility of the system. Generally speaking, coloringor illuminating the various elements of these cable protection system inthis manner helps decrease the likelihood of injuries to pedestrians orother motorists due to their failure to notice the cable protectionsystem extended over walkways or roadways.

Accordingly, the present invention discloses an exemplary cableprotection system capable of being quickly and easily expanded toaccommodate any required width or length. By using pivot and/orsubstantially vertically oriented connectors to removably attach rampsto a cable protector, the present invention avoids the need forconventional horizontally oriented connector elements, which results ina more efficient use of the materials used to form the base member ofthe cable protector, decreased cable protector production costs, andincreased cable-housing capabilities. In addition, the disclosedconnections are both easy to align and interconnect and are capable ofwithstanding relatively large amounts of torsional force.

The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled inthe art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and aspectsand with various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. This exemplary description is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations in the form and details are possiblewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Inaddition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as usedin the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have thesame meaning as the word “comprising.” It is intended that the scope ofthe invention be defined by the following claims.

1. A cable protection system, comprising: at least one cable protectorcomprising a base member; at least one channel extending betweenopposing ends of the base member and structured to receive at least onecable; at least one substantially vertically oriented aperture definedin a first side of the base member; a female coupling recess definedwithin the aperture in the base member; a first ramp comprising at leastone connector, the connector of the first ramp being insertable into theaperture in the base member to removably attach the first ramp to thefirst side of the base member; a male coupling structure provided on theconnector of the first ramp; wherein, when the connector of the firstramp is inserted into the aperture in the base member, the male couplingstructure engages the female coupling recess to create a snap-fitconnection and to resist vertical movement of the connector relative tothe base member.
 2. The cable protection system according to claim 1,wherein the connector of the first ramp is substantially verticallyoriented and removably snap fits into the aperture defined in the basemember.
 3. The cable protection system according to claim 1, wherein theaperture defined in the base member is slot shaped.
 4. The cableprotection system according to claim 1, wherein the male couplingstructure is a protuberance formed on a surface of the connector and thefemale coupling recess is sized to match the dimensions of theprotuberance.
 5. The cable protection system according to claim 1,further comprising: a cover structure; a plurality of hinge membersformed on the cover structure and the base member; a hinge rod insertedthrough the hinge members to pivotally attach the cover structure to thebase member.
 6. The cable protection system according to claim 1,further comprising a second ramp removably attachable to a second sideof the base member.
 7. The cable protection system according to claim 6,further comprising: a substantially vertically oriented aperture definedin the second ramp; at least one connector formed on the second side ofthe base member that is insertable into the aperture in the second ramp.8. The cable protection system according to claim 6, further comprising:a first edge rail removably attachable to a first end of the first ramp;a second edge rail removably attachable to a first end of the secondramp; a center edge rail positioned between and removably attachable tothe first and second edge rails.
 9. The cable protection systemaccording to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first ramp and thesecond ramp laterally overlaps an additional ramp or an additional cableprotector.
 10. The cable protection system according to claim 9, whereinat least one of the first ramp and the second ramp comprises asubstantially planar top surface and an angled bottom surface.
 11. Thecable protection system according to claim 1, further comprising: anadditional cable protector; at least one substantially verticallyoriented aperture defined in a side of the additional cable protector;at least one connector formed on the base member that is insertable intothe aperture in the additional cable protector.
 12. The cable protectionsystem according to claim 1, wherein the base member of the cableprotector comprises: a pair of substantially vertically extendingopposing side walls; a cover structure positioned on the upper surfacesof, and unitarily formed with, the opposing side walls.
 13. The cableprotection system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of thecable protector and the first ramp comprises a substantially transparentmaterial capable of being illuminated by a light source.
 14. A cableprotector, comprising: a base member; at least one channel extendingbetween opposing ends of the base member and configured to receive atleast one cable; a cover structure; a plurality of hinge members formedon the cover structure and the base member; a hinge rod inserted throughthe hinge members to pivotally attach the cover structure to the basemember; at least one substantially vertically oriented connector formedon the base member; a male coupling structure provided on the connectorof the base member; wherein the male coupling structure is sized toengage a complimentary female coupling recess defined in an aperture inan opposing structure to create a snap-fit connection and to resistvertical movement of the connector relative to the opposing structure.15. A cable protection system, comprising: at least one cable protectorcomprising a base member; at least one channel extending betweenopposing ends of the base member and structured to receive at least onecable; at least one vertically oriented slot defined in a first side ofthe base member; a female coupling recess defined within the slot in thebase member; a first ramp comprising at least one vertically orientedconnector, the connector being insertable into the slot in the basemember to removably attach the first ramp to the first side of the basemember; a male coupling structure provided on the connector of the firstramp; wherein, when the connector of the first ramp is inserted into theaperture in the base member, the male coupling structure provided on theconnector of the first ramp engages the female coupling recess definedwithin the slot in the base member to create a snap-fit connection andto resist vertical movement of the connector relative to the basemember.